What is the purpose of flight mode in Windows 11, if I can still connect to a wifi network and still connect to bluetooth devices?

Thank you for your reply but my question is still unanswered. If flight mode/airplane mode is enabled, the devices should stop all wireless communications, but it doesn't. It is still connected to the same network and same bluetooth device. Turning it on and off doesn't affect it. I initially assumed it willl block new connections. However, it still connects to new networks even in flight/airplane mode. I dont have sim card compatibility on my PC, so what is the purpose of the setting if I still have to manually disable bluetooth and wifi?

Thanks, Joel.

I understand your concern regarding Airplane Mode not fully disabling wireless communications as expected. Here is a bit of an explanation, I gathered and built upon using AI:

Purpose of Airplane Mode: Airplane Mode is designed to quickly disable all wireless communications, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular signals (if applicable). However, it retains the last-used state of wireless settings. For example, if Wi-Fi or Bluetooth was manually turned on while in Airplane Mode previously, they will remain enabled the next time you activate Airplane Mode unless manually disabled.

Behavior of Wireless Connections:

Airplane Mode does not block existing connections if Wi-Fi or Bluetooth has been manually re-enabled while in this mode.

It also allows users to manually enable new connections while Airplane Mode is active, as it prioritizes user control over strict enforcement68.

Why This Design?: This flexibility is intentional to accommodate scenarios where users might need selective connectivity (e.g., enabling Wi-Fi for in-flight internet or using Bluetooth headphones). However, it may seem counterintuitive if you expect all wireless features to be entirely disabled.

Manual Adjustment Required: To ensure all wireless communications are off:

Enable Airplane Mode.

Manually turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth in the "Network & Internet" settings or via the Action Center.

Alternative Solutions: If you want a stricter implementation of Airplane Mode:

Avoid re-enabling Wi-Fi or Bluetooth while in this mode.

Use Group Policy or disable the "Radio Management Service" to restrict changes to wireless settings (advanced configuration)

Hope that helps, and rely on us for any further inquiries. All the best.

Hi Joel,

I'm Sumit, here to answer your query at the Microsoft Community.

Apologies for any inconvenience you are experiencing. I am happy to help you today.

Many devices, such as always-connected devices, have a SIM card with them. Flight mode helps those devices not connect to Mobile Cellular data. In Phones as well, if you toggle the flight mode, you can control WiFi and Bluetooth independently as well, so the PC has the same footprint and approach.

Additionally, While modern rules permit Wi-Fi/Bluetooth during flights, the initial "off" state ensures compliance until users explicitly enable permitted features.

Hope that helps, and rely on us for any further inquiries. All the best.

To help others with a similar issue, consider rating the thread to help others, and close it. Microsoft Community is always available to assist you with any questions about Microsoft products.

Have a great week.